Director Sam Taylor offers an absorbing look into a cross-section of individuals who suffer the effects of sudden wealth (all winners in the Calcutta Sweepstakes). The well-chosen cast work in ensemble. Elissa Landi gives perfect nuance and dramatic weight as a woman of scandal who redefines her life. Her parasite lover (Paul Cavanagh) is appropriately repelling. Victor McLaglen (with his usual loose screw) is spot-on as an annoying prize-fighter, still tied to his mother's apron strings. Alexander Kirkland offers a certain naivety and charm, as the young man who discovers money isn't necessarily liberating. Halliwell Hobbes, who hosts the cast of characters at his English castle, has the insight and integrity to allow his guests to discover "themselves" ..... excellent photography and editing help create worthy Pre-Code screen fare.
Reviews
7 Reviews
The Masquerader
(1933)
Pre-Code Charmer with Colman and Landi in top form!
2 September 2019
The Masquerader (1933) is a Pre-Code beguiling mix of suspense, romance and humor. Ronald Colman is at his best in a dual role as member of Parliament (with a drug addiction) who asks his look-alike cousin (a political journalist) to fill in for him both professionally and domestically. Elissa Landi, as the wife, offers her unique persona and natural nuance in a captivating portrayal. The multi-gifted actress composed and played the lilting Sonata in F Minor for the film. The performances are complimented by the exquisite deep-focus camerawork of Gregg Toland, and director Richard Wallace's ability to make the fantastic seem probable.
The Lavender Scare
(2017)
Essential Documentary for U.S. History Classes
4 November 2017
I found this to be a riveting account of the purge of gays and lesbians from employment in the U.S. government. Many committed suicide. This purge went on from the 1950's-1990's. At one point, the push to eliminate gays, became more important than Joe McCarthy's "Red Scare".
Excellent cross-section of interviews with men and women who lost their livelihood from the machinations of government officials (who also participate in the narration).
High school and college history classes should have Lavender Scare as part of their curriculum. Our evolution into a real Democracy, has left a bloody path, indeed.
Excellent cross-section of interviews with men and women who lost their livelihood from the machinations of government officials (who also participate in the narration).
High school and college history classes should have Lavender Scare as part of their curriculum. Our evolution into a real Democracy, has left a bloody path, indeed.
Absorbing backstory of author Maupin
3 November 2017
This documentary has all the pluses. Excellent use is made of original footage from the 70's onward. A good cross-section of interviews with Maupin's friends, family and acquaintances bring the man "to life" and confirm the positive impact he has on so many different levels worldwide.
The challenges of a gay man raised in a conservative, Southern household with Confederate roots, was a real eye-opener. I was surprised to learn that Maupin (in trying to please his parents and family tradition)ended up being invited to the White House during the Vietnam war, where he shook hands with none other than Nixon. Maupin's complete about-turn afterward, is fascinating to absorb. His friendship with Rock Hudson was another stunner. Footage from PBS Tales of the City is also interwoven to good effect (as well as the most welcome presence of Laura Linney reflecting on those times and her sustained friendship with Maupin). Don't miss this!
The challenges of a gay man raised in a conservative, Southern household with Confederate roots, was a real eye-opener. I was surprised to learn that Maupin (in trying to please his parents and family tradition)ended up being invited to the White House during the Vietnam war, where he shook hands with none other than Nixon. Maupin's complete about-turn afterward, is fascinating to absorb. His friendship with Rock Hudson was another stunner. Footage from PBS Tales of the City is also interwoven to good effect (as well as the most welcome presence of Laura Linney reflecting on those times and her sustained friendship with Maupin). Don't miss this!
I Am Not Your Negro
(2016)
Worthwhile, but misses the mark
3 March 2017
James Baldwin said of actress Sylvia Sidney: "Sylvia Sidney was the only film actress who reminded me of a colored girl, or woman - which is to say that she was the only American film actress who reminded me of reality. ... I always believed in her." Baldwin was an aficionado of classic film, and director Peck uses vintage footage to reflect this. Peck stated that he had a "great team of archivists" locating footage that would underscore Baldwin's commentary on film and film players. So, where is Sylvia Sidney? Her omission is an unfortunate oversight. Most appalling is the use of Doris Day's image juxtaposed against the lynching of a black woman. As if Day were responsible for such atrocities. While Baldwin claimed that Day and Gary Cooper were "two of the most grotesque appeals to innocence the word has ever seen" -- was he aware that Day's father had married a black woman? Was he aware that Day had an affair with African-American baseball player Maury Wills? Was he aware that Day had starred in one of the first anti-KKK films (Storm Warning) in 1951? For Peck to insert the image of Doris Day in such an undeserving spot, in an otherwise absorbing film, does great injustice to her. It would have better suited the purpose of I Am Not Your Negro, to include Baldwin's commentary on Ms. Sidney, and feature a clip of her in Street Scene, or Dead End .... where she reigned as cinema's Depression Heroine.
Drunktown's Finest
(2014)
Staying Power
25 October 2014
Drunktown's Finest is grounded with wisdom, great heart and understanding. Director Freeland has done a remarkable job of creating a film that feels genuine. The actors carry honest portrayals throughout. I was made to feel uncomfortable in some instances,and for good reason. I learned something. The break-away from earth-bound tradition in native culture has consequences. The Medicine Man and his wife carry the universe in the palm of their hand. "A strong warrior knows when to retreat" cautions the Medicine Man. Retreating from the materialistic, profit-driven world that engulfs them, has its own strength, balance and insights. Don't miss this film.
Madame X
(1929)
Made Many a "10 Best" List in 1929
12 November 2011
Although Ruth Chatterton's performance starts out on a highly theatrical note, the pathos and poignancy she brings to her character as the film progresses is unforgettable. While hooked on alcohol in a sleazy hotel in Buenos Aires--she stakes her claim on the Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Filmed in early 1929, I was impressed with the camera fluidity in MADAME X. Director Barrymore deserves kudos for placing the microphone on the end of a fishing-pole (the first "sound boom") so the actors could walk and talk at the same time. One must take this into consideration when critiquing this film. Other "talkies" produced from Jan-Sept 1929 are far more "creaky". Raymond Hackett, as Ruth's son, is too overwrought in the courtroom scenes, but his "youth" almost makes this forgivable. Based on the 1909 French play, MADAME X would have many reincarnations and fuel the plots of numerous tearjerkers in the 1930's. Watch this for Chatterton.
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